Benefits of Using Green Building Materials and Evaluation Criteria

Benefits of Using Green Building Materials and Evaluation Criteria

Everyone wants to build or buy a house, but not everyone is well informed about the right materials to use for their building construction. You deserve a home built with sustainable materials. Not all materials are suitable for a home, some cause more harm to the environment than good. Constructing with green building materials is a pathway to a sustainable home.

Green building materials are construction products and substances that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. These materials are typically made from sustainable or renewable resources. They aim to minimize their impact on the environment and human health.

Examples of Green Building Materials and Why They are Considered Environmentally Friendly

The materials are an ideal choice for green building projects because of their sustainability, resource efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts. Examples include:

1. Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is used for flooring, paneling, and furniture. It has a lower environmental impact than traditional wood products and is also durable and attractive.
2. Recycled Steel: It is a popular building material that can be recycled and used again without losing its strength. It is also energy efficient to produce and has a long lifespan.
3. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs): ICFs are foam forms that are filled with concrete to create the walls of a building. They provide excellent insulation and thermal mass, reducing energy costs and improving indoor comfort.
4. Low-E Glass: Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is treated to reflect heat and reduce energy transfer. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
5. Solar Panels: Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources and lowering a building’s carbon footprint.
6. Green Roofs: Green roofs are roofs covered in vegetation, providing insulation and reducing stormwater runoff. They also improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and provide habitats for wildlife.

The 5 Main Benefits of Using Green Building Materials

This section answers the question of why I need to use green building materials. The benefits of green building materials include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Green building materials can help improve the energy efficiency of a building, reducing its carbon footprint and lower energy costs.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Green building materials can reduce indoor air pollution, contributing to better air quality and improved health.
3. Durability and Longevity: Green building materials are often designed to last longer and perform better. It reduces the need for frequent replacements and reduces waste.
4. Water Conservation: Green building materials can conserve water through the use of low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation systems.
5. Increased Comfort: Green building materials can contribute to better insulation and ventilation, leading to improved indoor comfort.
6. Enhanced Aesthetics: Green building materials can improve the appearance of a building, contributing to a more attractive and welcoming environment.

Selection Criteria

Green building materials selection criteria are guidelines and standards that help determine the environmental performance of building materials and systems. These criteria help to ensure that building materials and systems are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and safe for human health. They are used to:

• Evaluate the sustainability and efficiency of building products
• To determine their suitability for use in green building projects.

Here are some of the common green building materials selection criteria:

1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): An LCA evaluates the environmental impact of a building material over its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to disposal at end of life.
2. Recycled Content: Recycled content refers to the amount of recycled materials used in the manufacture of a building product. Sustainable products have a high level of recycled content.
3. Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished within a human lifetime, such as bamboo or straw. Building materials made from renewable resources are considered more sustainable than those made from non-renewable resources.
4. Resource Efficiency: Resource efficiency refers to the use of building materials in an efficient manner, such as using insulation that requires less material to achieve the same level of performance.
5. Embodied Energy: Energy required to produce and transport building materials is embodied energy. Sustainable building materials are those with low embodied energy.
6. Indoor Air Quality: Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within a building. Materials considered healthier and more sustainable are those that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
7. Water Efficiency: Water efficiency refers to the use of water in a building. Sustainable products are products that use less water, such as low-flow fixtures.

Steps to Select Green Building Materials:

1. Research: Gather technical information, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) test data, product warranties, source material characteristics, recycled content data, environmental statements, durability information, and more. Research also involves exploring building codes, government regulations, model green building product specifications, and other sources of information to identify the full range of material options.
2. Evaluation: Verify the technical information and fill in any gaps. Ask manufacturers for product certifications and consider environmental product claims. Comparison of similar materials using environmental criteria is straightforward, while evaluating different products with the same function may require processing both descriptive and quantitative forms of data.
3. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluate the relative “greenness” of building materials and products through all their life stages using the LCA methodology. The Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software can be used to balance environmental and economic performance.
4. Selection: Use an evaluation matrix to score environmental criteria specific to the project. The product with the highest score is selected. The project-specific goals and objectives determine the individual criteria.

Entrust Your Building Project to the Experts at Litedares Consult Limited – Your Trusted Green Building Consulting Firm In Nigeria

When it comes to building a sustainable, eco-friendly structure, you want to work with experts who understand the importance of using green materials and practices. That’s why you should choose Litedares Consult Limited for your next building project. Our team of LEED-certified professionals has the expertise and knowledge to ensure your building is not only environmentally friendly but also functional and beautiful.

At Litedares Consult Limited, we offer comprehensive green consulting services, including green architectural design and green building construction. Our team ensures your projects is environmentally responsible and also cost-effective and efficient.

We understand the importance of using only the best materials for your building, which is why we carefully select and verify each material to ensure its sustainability. Our team is knowledgeable about the latest green building materials and practices, so you can rest assured that your building project is in good hands.

Whether you’re looking to build a new structure or retrofit an existing building, Litedares Consult Limited has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create a sustainable, eco-friendly building.